Attorney Appeals Embezzlement Charge

By Givens Givens Sparks, PLLC Dec. 17, 2012 12:35p

Partner In Crime Testifies Against Defendant

After being convicted of embezzling funds from several clients, a divorce attorney is attempting to seek an appeal in his case. The state Supreme Court ruled, however, that his license to practice is suspended until the trial can come to a close, preventing him from practicing family law.

The attorney in question was a member of a family law firm who, along with his partner, allegedly conspired to steal a large sum of money from clients as part of a scam. According to court documents filed during the case, the duo worked together over a period from August 2003 to January 2006 to persuade a married couple to 'hide' money gained from selling several properties in a trust fund controlled by the firm, allowing them to avoid taxes on the gains.

After convincing the two to follow through on the plan, however, the attorneys allegedly transferred the funds to their own personal accounts. The Lancaster couple owned a number of real estate properties, and made a profit of $51,489 in the sale, which they agreed to embezzle in the scheme. They learned of the deception shortly afterwards when they attempted to withdraw some of the funds and found them missing.

Unscrupulous Divorce Lawyers Could Face Almost 50 Years In Prison

The attorney then allegedly ran a second scheme with another client, this time without the involvement of his partner. The total damages alleged to have been stolen by the man amounts to just under $100,000. The partner, who pled guilty to the charges, agreed to testify against the attorney, possibly in exchange for a reduced sentence. If convicted of these charges, the divorce lawyer could face a maximum of 45 years in prison, as well as a $2.25 million fine.

The defendant went on the witness stand to deny the charges against him. He claimed to have no memory of signing multiple documents produced by the prosecution, allegedly enumerating details of the scam. He was convicted of conspiracy and fraud charges in November, but has filed for appeal, claiming the testimony of his partner was tainted. He has been suspended from practicing law indefinitely by the state Supreme Court, until such a time as his conviction might be overturned in court.

A Family Law Firm You Can Trust

If you are considering seeking a divorce or separation, or simply need advisement on some aspect of family law, seeking the help of an attorney you can rely upon is paramount. Without a great deal of mutual trust, a lawyer cannot possibly perform his duties on your behalf. At Givens Givens Sparks, PLLC, our firm has a proven track record of success. We have earned the faith of our clients through perseverance and hard work.

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